I shouldn’t need an FSH test at over 60, right??

[MinesaBottle]

Aagh just noticed I mistyped age in the subject - can I get that changed?! Should be over 50!!!

I’m 51 and have had various peri symptoms for around a year now. Recently started getting hot flushes every half hour or so, which was the last straw - so I went to the GP today. I was a bit disappointed at the one I was booked to see as she’s always been really inflexible. But I went in, explained my symptoms and she said I’d need to get a FSH test before she’d go any further.

I quoted the relevant NICE guidelines to her, which say that particular test isn’t required in over-45s presenting with symptoms including hot flushes. She just repeated herself and insisted I had to have it or she couldn’t prescribe HRT or discuss any other treatment. For good measure she addressed a lot of what she was saying to my husband.

I think I’m going to change surgeries. This particular GP has a reputation for being rude, dismissive and treating people like they’re stupid, and I just can’t handle any more annoyances with the way im
feeling. If I do change, can I give my former surgery feedback?!

No, you don't.

She sounds out of touch,

Definitely make a formal complaint. Then change practice for good measure (unless there is another GP there who is not from the Stone Age that you can switch to).

No absolutely not see a different GP

So is HRT a sort of given now? I was about 48 when my periods stopped and my GP didn't give me any tests and said it was too late for HRT because I'd had a 'rapid menopause'. I'm 60 now

Out of curiosity, why was your husband there?

My husband was there because he’s interested and supportive. Is that ok?

Anyway, I’m going to see a different GP at a different practice, I’ve been looking at reviews of the others locally. I felt so talked down to, she was so curt and dismissive and seems really set in her ways. I was really surprised she wouldn’t acknowledge the NICE guidance.

There's a Dr Mon.... like that at my practice, thankfully I didn't see her. But I still had to come off mini pill at 50! And have the test. Was in the menopause but got HRT due to severe shoulder joint pain.

You can start HRT at any age- even 60 or older @Denimrules
There is guidance for older women starting HRT.

A GP who was out of touch.
I was already using HRT when you were 48 and it was mainstream then and for older women.